KEY MATCHUPS: Lions vs. Falcons
Lions WR Golden Tate vs. Falcons CB Robert Alford: Tate helped lead the comeback against New Orleans with a 73-yard touchdown catch. He has 48 catches for 649 yards and two touchdowns. Alford's two interceptions came in the end zone to stop scoring threats last week against Baltimore. He is the first Falcon to post multiple interceptions in a game since safety William Moore picked off Saints quarterback Drew Brees twice Nov. 29, 2012.
Lions DT Nick Fairley vs. Falcons LG Justin Blalock: Fairley was demoted earlier this season. He hired a personal chef to help him keep his weight down, and he has been able to elevate his play. He has 14 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. Blalock will be left in a one-on-one matchup with Fairley as the Falcons will have to double-team Ndamukong Suh to help starting center James Stone.
Lions RB Joique Bell vs. Falcons LB Paul Worrilow: Bell, who had 48 yards rushing and scored on a 1-yard run, played 52 of a possible 70 offensive snaps (74 percent) against the Saints. Lions coach Jim Caldwell insisted that Bush's limited role was because of injury, not lack of production. Worrilow posted his 11th career game with double-digit tackles, notching 10 tackles (three solo) at Baltimore. He has recorded double-digit tackles in four games this season. He ranks second in the league with 54 tackles according to NFL.com's tackle stats. The Falcons' coaches have him with 80 tackles.
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
